Forensic Medical Expert In Child Abuse Case Study

Role of Forensic Medical Expert in Suspected Child Abuse Case

Introduction

Child abuse or maltreatment and neglect includes all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the child’s development and health12. Child abuse is classified into five subtypes – physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and negligent treatment, emotional abuse and exploitation.1 Physical abuse of children is a common problem worldwide. The definition of physical abuse may vary from one culture or community to another. With increased awareness and changing definitions of child abuse and neglect, the medical profession has recognized additional physical findings and syndromes suggestive

Child abuse is second only to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as the leading cause of death in children under one year of age.15 Child sexual abuse is the use of a child under eighteen years of age as an object of gratification for adult sexual needs or desires6. A sexual relationship between a child and adult in which there is no coercion is also regarded as abusive because the child lacks the capacity to consent to sexual activity. This article will address the general principles in the diagnosis of child abuse, including history taking, performing physical examinations, recommended radiologic examination, photo documentation, and autopsy

When children come into emergency care in situations in which non-accidental injury, other abuse, or neglect is suspected, a meticulous record should be made and as thorough an explanation as possible sought from carers. Often, the child is taken to the doctor or hospital emergency room, and the parent may claim that the injury was the result of a fall or other unintentional injury. Careful examination of the injuries may show them to be inconsistent with the “accident” described. In this case, the parent’s stories may sound suspicious or may not account for all the injuries to the child. The examination of a child when abuse has been alleged or is suspected has two components, therapeutic and forensic. The examining doctor must take both into consideration when gaining consent. Documenting suspected cases of child abuse sometimes involves photographic records. Although parental consent should be sought, if such clinical illustration is required for legal purposes. As a general rule, a child should not be examined without parental consent as well. In suspected child abuse cases, it is important to perform a relatively extensive X-ray